SAN DIEGO--For those in the know, Sonim is synonymous with rugged phones up to military specifications. The last Sonim phone we saw, the Sonim XP3300 Force, was swathed in rubberized material and impervious to concrete (but not to us.)

Now, the San Mateo, Calif. company adds three new GSM wrld phones to its rough 'n' tumble lineup, including one with NFC, or near field communications, capabilities.

That would be the Sonim XP1301 Core NFC, which (surprise, surprise) has an NFC chip capable of scanning tags that fit into a workplace; the medical field would be a good implementation for this.

Then there's the Sonim XP3340 Sentinel. The safety-focused device boasts up to 29 hours GPS tracking time, a dedicated panic button, and a sensor that automatically calls for help when it detects you're in an emergency situation. It's made especially for the solitary worker in mind, who labors in especially rough situations.

Aimed at Latin American markets, the Sonim XP1330 Core PTT is a push-to-talk device that will be available to Latin America over the next two months.

Although Sonim's phones are open to all, the work force is its biggest client, especially those who spend their days in rougher climates and conditions. The thick, sturdy cell phones meet 11 qualification standards (PDF) and are warrantied for three years.

About the author

Jessica Dolcourt reviews smartphones and cell phones, covers handset news, and pens the monthly column Smartphones Unlocked. A senior editor, she started at CNET in 2006 and spent four years reviewing mobile and desktop software before taking on devices.
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